Where The Wild Thing’s Gone
The internet was alive Tuesday with the sad news of the passing of one of the great of children's literature, Maurice Sendak, as reported in a lovely and thorough New York Times article and tribute.
Mr. Sendak was best known for his work Where the Wild Things Are, and was something of a wild thing in the world of books for children himself, straying into the darker edges of childhood, and finding himself censored on occasion. We about this very topic on this blog, in fact, last year, quoting his assertion that he wrote about and for real children rather than the sanitized ideal of what they should be. Though he clearly found his critics, Sendak's work was much beloved, and all across the online world, you find his famous lines quoted, his iconic Wild Things tattooed across the arms and backs of many.
The w
ay he resonated with many is so hilariously and poignantly illustrated in this little anecdote I found the other day and fell in love with.
(look to the right, there!)
Who else would inspire that, I ask?
Daring to be different and true to his own vision, Sendak created a world unlike any other in children's books, and he remains a true original, his status among the giants well-earned – just ask any kid you know, no matter what their current age.
One thought on “Where The Wild Thing’s Gone”
Alice – thank you for this hilarious and thoughtful post. Sendak’s contribution to children’s books was very powerful! His story in this interview truly says it all!!